As the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) finalizes guidelines for the restaurant industry to voluntarily reduce sodium levels on menus, some limited-service restaurants are already using a “stealth health” approach to sodium removal, choosing to keep the effort mostly under wraps.
Boston Market is...

Panera Bread took a step into the future with the rollout of $42 million worth of ordering technology, dubbed “Panera 2.0.” The chain expects to better its customer experience inside and out with iPad ordering kiosks, mobile and online ordering interfaces, and a feature that lets guests order at...

There’s no question that having a great online reputation gives you the stamp of approval you need, especially when 95 percent of consumers are turning to the Internet to find local businesses. With 132 million average monthly unique visitors turning to Yelp to make a buying decision and 57 million...

Each month, QSR singles out the quick-service and fast-casual brands we think will make a splash in the industry. Sometimes we’re right, and sometimes we’re… well, not. So which Ones to Watch brands are still on fire, and which ones have had their growth hopes doused? Here’s a look back at 15 Ones...

For upstart quick-service restaurants considering the move to franchising, the path can precipitate a major shift in business model and operations. Beyond the economic investment in franchising, experts say, operators must ensure their brand will consistently deliver quality across all locations.
“...

Built in 1881, the log cabin housing the Moe’s Original Bar-B-Que location in Breckenridge, Colorado, has seen its fair share of action.
“As I understand it, it was the assayer’s cabin for the town,” says John Rediker, a partner at the Breckenridge unit. Precious metals extracted from the mines...

Saving for retirement and other financial milestones is an important objective for most people, including employees in the quick-serve industry.
The biggest coffee chain in the U.S. is making it easier for its workers to reach those monetary goals. In 1991, after Seattle-based Starbucks extended...

Native Foods Cafe, a fast casual, plant-based restaurant group, announced the appointment of Craig Grimes as its new CEO. Grimes has more than 25 years of multi-unit experience in the restaurant and hospitality industry, and most recently served as corporate vice president of Food and Beverage...

In a strategic move that makes sense for a franchise brand that offers easy-to-eat portable meals served inside a freshly baked cone, Kono Pizza USA announced today that it is introducing mobile cart, kiosk, and in-line store prototype models designed to fuel franchise growth in non-traditional...

Local Cincinnati franchise owner of Maui Wowi Hawaiian Coffees & Smoothies is broadening his reach and expanding his business with the launch of a new concession trailer that will soon be hitting the streets to serve the city some aloha spirit. Keith Mitchell and his wife Lori became...

Garbanzo Mediterranean Grill is teaming up with Colorado-based nonprofit First Descents to help support the organization’s internationally reaching adventure camps for young adult cancer fighters and survivors.

The Mediterranean restaurant concept is expanding their partnership to raise...

Back by popular demand, Del Taco has announced the return of Crispy Shrimp. Now available, golden shrimp is featured in Del Taco’s new Epic Crispy Shrimp Burrito, as well as original Crispy Shrimp Tacos. These limited time items will be offered alongside Del Taco’s original Beer Battered Fish...

McAlister'sDeli announced the return of its popular New Orleans-inspired Cajun Shrimp through April 2, 2015. To celebrate the return of one of guests' favorite menu items, McAlister's has launched the For the Love of Shrimp sweepstakes where one fan will win a trip for two to New Orleans.

Starbucks Coffee Company announced today the launch of its fresh delivery subscription, giving online customers access to its line of super-premium, small-lot coffees roasted at its new, Seattle Reserve Roastery and Tasting Room. Available in monthly increments, Starbucks Reserve Roastery...

When Lori Newcomb found out she had stage III ovarian cancer last year, she made it her mission to learn more about the disease and help other women fighting the same battle. She sat down with her husband, Chris Newcomb, cofounder and CEO of Southern quick-service chain Newk’s Eatery, and together...

Though U.S. consumption is well below other proteins today, seafood will likely be an increasingly important part of the American diet in the years to come. The country’s population is predicted to grow by 89 million between 2010 and 2050 to 401 million people. More people require more food—and...

Convenience stores are increasingly taking a larger slice out of the quick-serve pie with fresh food offerings. It’s become such a lucrative business for C-stores that Sheetz, the Pennsylvania-based C-store chain that this week opened its 500th location, is planning stores designed more as fast...

When fast-casual chain Zoës Kitchen Inc. debuted on the New York Stock Exchange last April, the Plano, Texas–based Mediterranean-style eatery recorded its initial public offering at $87.5 million. Satisfying an investor appetite for investments within the trendy fast-casual space, Zoës’ strong...

While the fast-casual category continues to be the fastest-growing industry sector, the road in 2015 will be bumpy. We will see constant change and challenges around every corner. For industry leaders, there are issues that will keep even the most seasoned executive awake at night.
Here is my top...

Kevin Kester’s family has been farming in the U.S. for generations. And it’s not just a couple of generations they’ve been farming; more like generations upon generations, way back to the 1600s, specifically in California since the 1860s. Today, Kester owns a 22,000-acre beef cattle ranch in...